How Competitive Am I for MD? GPA Improved After Post-bac + 515 MCAT

[prinzzes]

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Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply to MD programs (2026-2027 cycle) since my goal is to go into Orthopedics, and I’ve heard it can be a tougher path from the DO route.
I’ve been second-guessing myself lately since my GPA likely won’t move much higher without taking on a significant financial burden. Do you think my current stats and experiences make me a competitive candidate?

Undergrad GPA: 3.45 cGPA / 3.03 sGPA
After Post-bac: improved to 3.51 cGPA / 3.43 sGPA
MCAT: 515

By the time I apply, my activities should look like this:
Clinical (Scribing): 1000+ hrs
Non-clinical volunteering: 60+ hrs
Leadership: 700+ hrs
Physician shadowing: 30+ hrs

I invite any and all feedback!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

How many course credits are included in your postbac GPA? Please complete a full WAMC template; it's not just about numbers. Descriptions and mission fit are essential.

Pick your difficulty: get into DO vs. MD (where at least DO rewards reinvention, some MD's do depending on mission fit) vs. getting into orthopedics where it's difficult even within MD schools. I think your reasoning is misguided; you definitely won't be an orthopedist if you don't get into any medical school MD or DO.... certainly if it appears you just do the bare minimum expected.

 

[Faha]

Where is your state of residence? You should accumulate 150+ hours of non clinical volunteering such as food bank, homeless shelter before you submit your application, Otherwise, you could be screened out at some schools.